Topic: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

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Arundhati Roy at the World Book Fair in Neu Delhi (photo: Dominik Muller)

Interview with Indian novelist Arundhati Roy

"India is much more dangerous than it was ten years ago"

Celebrated Indian novelist Arundhati Roy, best known for works such as "The God of Small Things" and "The Ministry of Utmost Happiness", has also made a name for herself as an essayist and critic of the political situation in India. Dominik Muller spoke to her in New Delhi about changes in India over the last decadeMore

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Indian writer Rahman Abbas (photo: rahmanabbas.in)

Interview with writer Rahman Abbas

Overcoming Indiaʹs social divide

More and more Indian writers are picking up on the right-wing theme in response to the growing strength of India's Hindu nationalists. Among them, Bombay-based author Rahman Abbas, who writes in Urdu and who scooped India's highest literary accolade in 2018 for his novel "Rohzin". Interview by Dominik MullerMore

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View of the Kaaba in Mecca (photo: Reuters/Muhammad Hamed)

India′s new hajj policy

Empowering minorities?

While the Hindu-nationalist government led by Narendra Modi has withdrawn the hajj subsidy to Muslims, public grants to members of the Hindu majority making pilgrimages remain in place. By Ronald MeinardusMore

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India′s prime minister, Narendra Modi (photo: Getty Images/AFP/R. Schmidt)

Hindus and Muslims in India

Why census data is a priority political issue

Years later than planned, the Indian government has finally released census data on religious affiliation. The published figures could be exploited by the country′s political parties for their own ends, thereby further straining relations between Hindus and Muslims. By Ronald MeinardusMore

Interview with the political theorist Rajeev Bhargava: "The BJP has to give up its obsession with Muslims"Conversion of Christians and Muslims in India: Homecoming or forced conversion?Narendra Modi and the Indian Muslims: Divisive figure could become India's next PM
The Hindu nationalist Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, during a BJP event in Ahmedabad (photo: Reuters)

Conversion of Christians and Muslims in India

Homecoming or forced conversion?

A heated controversy has been triggered in India over a Hindu nationalist campaign to bring Christians and Muslims "back into the Hindu fold". While the Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains silent over the issue, organisations allied to his party continue to pursue the campaign. By Ulrich von SchwerinMore

India and "Islamic State": Indian Muslims not heeding the siren call of ISIndian Muslims' attitudes to the election of Narendra Modi: Apprehension and hopeInterview with the political theorist Rajeev Bhargava: "The BJP has to give up its obsession with Muslims"Narendra Modi and the Indian Muslims: Divisive figure could become India's next PM
Narendra Modi (photo: Reuters)

Narendra Modi and the Indian Muslims

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Divisive figure could become India's next PM

Narendra Modi was chief minister in the Indian state of Gujarat when anti-Muslim pogroms took place there 12 years ago. Today, he is the Hindu nationalist BJP party's candidate for the post of prime minister. Will this exacerbate India's inter-religious tensions? By Ulrich von SchwerinMore

The Babri Mosque Controversy in India: Sacred Ground for Muslims and HindusThe Hindu-Muslim Conflict in Bollywood Films: The Religious Conflict as a BlockbusterThe Indian Subcontinent's Colonial Heritage: Divide and Conquer

In brief

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Most Recent Photo Essay

According to the Koran, the Prophet Muhammad received the Book's holy words in the month of Ramadan. During this month, Muslims are supposed to practice abstinence. Daily prayer is compulsory – even for travellers. Islamic prayer rooms have been set up in many international airports, like the one here in Amman. In Germany, you can find these rooms in the airports at Frankfurt, Munich and Dusseldorf

Ramadan: Enlightenment and commerce

Muslims all over the world are currently observing Ramadan. The month of fasting is supposed to be all about reflection, meditation and abstention - but Ramadan is becoming increasingly commercialised.